North Korea has indicated that the "abduction issue" will not be discussed at a potential bilateral summit with Japan. This has raised concerns in Tokyo, as many Japanese citizens were abducted by North Korean agents in the past.
North Korea's official news agency reported that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed his desire to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, stated that North Korea considers the abduction issue resolved. She warned that Japan's focus on this issue could undermine the summit's potential.
Japanese officials have condemned North Korea's stance, calling it "unacceptable." They are carefully considering the implications of Kim Yo Jong's statement. Some believe North Korea is attempting to provoke Japan, while others urge caution to avoid playing into their hands.
At least 17 Japanese citizens were abducted in the 1970s and 1980s. Five were returned in 2002, but others remain missing. Japan has repeatedly pressed North Korea for information on their whereabouts.
Kim Yo Jong has suggested that Kishida could visit Pyongyang if Japan does not make the abductions an obstacle. However, Japanese officials believe such a visit would be risky without a breakthrough on the issue.
Kishida has expressed his desire for a summit with Kim Jong Un but has not confirmed any plans. Sources indicate that Japanese officials have held secret meetings with North Korean counterparts to discuss the abduction issue.
The families of the abducted citizens are urging North Korea to resolve the humanitarian problem and return all abductees. They have adopted a policy of not opposing the lifting of sanctions if all abductees are repatriated while their families are still alive.